Under the pseudonym Van Droo, Rob van den Oord, born on 8 March 1965 in Oisterwijk, the Netherlands, shows his other side. As a designer and entrepreneur, he has used his creativity for years, but it is only in painting that he reveals his deepest and most personal expression. His works are inspired by the raw energy of the Cobra group, the freedom of abstract expressionism and the intensity of neo-expressionism.

Van Droo's style is eclectic, bold and expressive. Once in front of an empty canvas, he undergoes an inner metamorphosis. His modesty is replaced by an immense exuberance. Whereas a designer he always has to take into account matters such as functionality and feasibility, as a painter he can fully indulge himself in his works without any restrictions. His paintings are therefore imbued with that freedom and rebellion.

In his work, Van Droo focuses on color, form, balance and composition. For him, the theme of a work of art is subordinate to the way in which it is executed. Just as music can touch through melody and sound, without the text having to be understood, he wants his paintings to be experienced through feeling. The viewer is given complete freedom of interpretation, without the influence of text –so that the work can speak directly and intuitively.

Van Droo paints his thoughts, free from limitations and expectations. In this emotionally creative process he allows himself all the space, even to deviate from what he initially had in mind. He works instinctively and does not shy away from any technique - everything is in the service of expression. If he lacks the right tool to achieve an effect, he creates it himself. With rough strokes, dynamic forms, vibrant colors, relief and contrast he not only searches for emotion, but also for a deeper, perhaps even spiritual connection with the viewer.

Van Droo is undoubtedly influenced by painters such as Willem de Kooning (1904-1997), Karel Appel (1921-2006), Mark Rothko (1903-1970) and Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), but his greatest example is his mother. She became physically disabled at a young age, but with an unyielding never-give-up mentality she courageously picked up the thread again. Despite her limited vision, she found her way in painting, an act of pure resilience and creativity. Her perseverance and passion deeply inspired Van Droo and eventually prompted him to pick up the brush himself.

Van Droo has found his destination in painting, where color and form speak the language of the soul. His abstract works are more than paint on canvas; they are a dialogue between emotion and imagination, a search for the unspoken. Driven by a deep-rooted passion, he not only wants to leave his mark on Dutch painting, but also inspire others to discover and feel art –so that they can ultimately embrace it and give it a place in their own lives.